Pálinka Festival
by arianambrand
Pálinka is the national spirit of Hungary, and it’s a big deal here. The festival is held in the courtyard of the old Buda Castle (now the history museum/national gallery), and it was great fun.
On Castle Hill, waiting for the others to turn up.
Pálinka is made exclusively from one fermented fruit, from the cheapest grape pomace and plum varieties to the really expensive and unusual black current, mulberry, raspberry and quince. My favorite is made from sour cherries grown in Hungary. It’s delicious.
That’s Buda climbing up the hills behind us there. [From left: Ravi, Michaela, Will, Garner, and Hannah.]
The castle itself is beautiful, especially at night.
Late-night crepes. Delicious.
More photos here, including some really good ones taken by Michaela.
Hungariana 
Ariana,
I’m at work feeling a little jealous. It looks like you made some good friends at BSM. Are you going to Istanbul by yourself or is anyone you know going?
It’s hard to believe you’ll be home soon. We are looking forward to culinary adventures and Palinka taste-testing.
A coworker mentioned a Hungarian Hot-pepper wine that he had some years ago. I don’t recall you mentioning it. Did you ever try some?
BHS had their graduation in the rain today and Alex Stark was a featured speaker. Owen said it was very inspirational.
Have fun on your continued travels.
See you soon.
Good for Alex! That must have been quite a speech. Never heard of hot-pepper wine, but I am bringing some pálinka home for you guys to try. I’m going to Istanbul by myself, but Galen is there and said he has time to show me around a bit, since he knows the city so well by now.
Ariana,
Please check your email from me regarding Palinka.
Alex is quoted in the lead paragraph in the Daily Camera today. Check it out.
WB.